Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Hunter S. Thompson's sudden and self-imposed death and I would like to take a moment to remember the man who knew no limits, but himself. Hunter S. Thompson, the creator of Gonzo journalism took his life on Feb. 20, 2005 in his home of Aspen, Colorado. Hunter was found in his office by his family, with, "Counselor" typed in the middle of a sheet of paper on his typewriter. Hunter went out on his own terms the way he always said he would. Artist and friend Ralph Stedman is quoted saying,

"...He told me 25 years ago that he would feel real trapped if he didn't know that he could commit suicide at any moment. I don't know if that is brave or stupid or what, but it was inevitable. I think that the truth of what rings through all his writing is that he meant what he said. If that is entertainment to you, well, that's OK. If you think that it enlightened you, well, that's even better.

Four days before his death Hunter sent a suicide note to his wife saying,

"No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun — for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax — This won't hurt"

Hunter was a man who was as eccentric as he was intelligent, always spontaneous and impulsive, never wanting to be static for a moment. His intriguing literary style amazed anyone who ever read a word of his. Hunter was a rare and unique talent that pushed the bounds of the status quo at every turn. He is someone who will be missed by all who have enjoyed spending countless hours wrapped up in his crazed, erratic, yet somehow familiar world that is found in all of us.

"If you wonder if he's gone to Heaven or Hell — rest assured he will check out them both, find out which one Richard Milhous Nixon went to — and go there. He could never stand being bored. But there must be Football too — and Peacocks..."